Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating driving safety comprises: a task/action storing unit that stores a task list and an action list, wherein the task list comprises at least one task that a driver can perform while driving and the action list comprises at least one action for performing the at least one task, a task/action defining unit that extracts a performing task that the driver currently intends from the task list and defines detailed actions for performing the performing task from the action list, a driving conduct analyzing unit that analyzes driving conduct on the basis of the performing task and the detailed actions and a driving safety evaluating unit that evaluates the degree of safe driving of the driver by using a result analyzed by the driving conduct analyzing unit.

Abstract: System and method for training aboard an actual vessel on manoeuvring the vessel in relation to one or more virtual movable and/or stationary objects, which vessel includes controllable propulsion means and is operated by an operator. The system includes a visualisation channel (11) which is arranged to provide a virtual world, which virtual world is continuously changed in relation to the position and movements of the actual vessel.

Abstract: A method of testing a machine includes a step of establishing a communication link between a test system and a control system of the machine. An interactive test script is executed on the test system, and includes a communication of a first operator initiated machine task to an operator. After performance of the first operator initiated machine task is confirmed, the test system monitors for a predetermined condition. Once the predetermined condition is detected, a machine test is performed. A second operator initiated machine task is communicated after the machine test is performed.

Abstract: A training system for surfers includes bases having dimensions to fit a surf board therebetween. The system also includes straps fastened to each of the bases by an elastomeric device such as springs.

Abstract: A lifeboat simulator comprises a cabin (12) which may be large enough to enclose a plurality of people, along with a support mechanism (22, 24, 30) whereby the cabin can undergo at least limited rotational movement around its longitudinal axis, and can accelerate upwards and downwards, and can undergo pitch movements, all these movements being driven by one or more motors (26, 36).

Abstract: A simulation system provides a simulated environment to at least one user in a simulation area. The simulation system includes a video system configured to provide high definition video of the simulated environment across a field of view of the user. The video system provides high definition live action video. The simulation system also includes an audio system configured to provide high definition audio related to the provided high definition video of the simulated environment and a motion system configured to move the at least one user on x, y, and z axes to simulate movement in the simulated environment.

Abstract: A train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A program drives the display with the track data during simulation, determines if an exception has occurred during the simulation; and provides a multimedia message if an exception has occurred.

Abstract: Provided is a drive simulator steering capable of offering a feeling of actually driving a car to a player. The steering for drive simulator of the present invention has a first screw shaft which is connectable to a steering wheel and rotatable around an axial line together with the steering wheel; a first nut which is fit on the first screw shaft and moves linearly in an axial direction of the first screw shaft with rotation of the first screw shaft; a second screw shaft which is connectable to a motor, in parallel with the first screw shaft and rotatable around the axial line; and a second nut which is fit on the second screw shaft, moves linearly in an axial direction of the second screw shaft with rotation of the second screw shaft 15 and is connected to the first nut.

Abstract: An egocentric display that corresponds to a multidimensional frame of reference. The multidimensional frame of reference may include an ego center, a nadir below the ego center, and a zenith above the ego center. The egocentric display includes a center point, an inner concentric circle and an outer concentric circle. The center point represents the nadir. The inner concentric circle is centered about the center point and represents a horizon plane that is perpendicular to a zenith-nadir line that passes through the zenith, the ego center, and the nadir. The outer concentric circle that represents the zenith should have a radius larger that the inner concentric circle and should also be centered about the center point.

Abstract: Training method for the simulation of an operation performed by at least one device which is part of a real apparatus, wherein the method comprises providing to display means overlaid images under controlled depth order of a virtual apparatus, and real images of said device, and providing a simulated response to control means, based on data of the position and behavior of said device and on data of the position and behavior of said virtual apparatus.

Abstract: A low-cost training and synthetic visualization system and method directed to improving an individual's airborne performance in general aviation, skydiving, and other aerial applications. The system is comprised of a self-contained mobile sensor and data storage device for recording the travel path, orientation, and forces acting upon an object as it moves through space, a desktop graphics software program for creating a playback of the recorded data on a three-dimensional representation of the environment through which the object moved, a means of linking the sensor and data storage device to the software program for the purpose of exchanging information, and a centralized data storage and retrieval system designed to accept, assimilate and redistribute the recorded data.

Abstract: A computer game depicts or represents actual or imaginary geographic locales as part of the play scenarios of the games. The computer game uses a map database that contains data that represent geographic features, such as roads, in a locale. A game engine program presents a game play scenario to a user via a user interface of the game. An application programming interface program accepts requests for data from the game engine program, accesses data from the map database, and provides the data in a suitable format to the game engine program for use in presenting the game scenario to the user.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation system may include: a platform positioned within a three-dimensional workspace, at least six upper support members positioned outside the three-dimensional workspace, at least six upper adjustable cables routed from corresponding upper support members and secured to the platform to apply at least a portion of upward tension to the platform, and a vehicle secured to the platform. The vehicle may provide one or more occupants with a simulated experience within a three-dimensional virtual environment as the upper adjustable cables are adjustably extended and retracted in a coordinated fashion to maneuver the platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion platform system comprising of a base (1), a moving platform (2) displaceable by five actuators along and about the three axes in five degrees of freedom, said moving platform (2), connected to said base (1) by at least three links, wherein one of the said links is a column (3) capable of having at least one rotational freedom at the base of the column (3); the other two links include actuators controlling rotational degrees of freedom about the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axes; another actuator controlling rotational degree of freedom about the ‘Z’ axis; other two actuators controlling translational degrees of freedom along the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axes; said column (3) including a joint (12) at the top of the said column (3), said joint (12) capable of providing at least one rotational degree of freedom about any of the three axes.

Abstract: A multiple degree-of-freedom motion simulator assembly comprises a fixed base, a displaceable simulator platform, and a plurality of linear actuators having upper ends thereof interconnected with the platform and lower ends thereof interconnected with the fixed base. A vibration damping unit is disposed between at least one of each of the upper ends and the platform and each of the lower ends and the fixed base. The damping units include at least a first resilient member preloaded and mounted to a major surface of a plate of the damping unit engaged to one of the ends of the linear actuator. The first resilient member provides vibration absorption such as to damp vibrations transmitted from the plate to the platform or base in at least a direction substantially perpendicular to the major surface.

Abstract: A riding simulation system for providing an operator with a pseudo-experience of a running motorcycle. A steering handle mechanism of the system which enables the operator to perform steering operations is turnably held on a frame body and a connection shaft is supported to be inclinable relative to the frame body through an inclination lock mechanism. The connection shaft is provided to be extendable and contractable along the axial direction thereof through an extension/contraction lock mechanism, so that the position of a pedal mechanism mounted on the lower side of the connection shaft can be displaced to a desired position relative to the position of the steering handle mechanism. The system also includes a vibrator and a click generator to simulate the vibration of a motor and the sound of gear shifting, as well as a mechanism to simulate a reaction force to a steering handle.

Abstract: A multi-media/simulation training system, in conjunction with a specifically developed and utilized training process, that improves target recognition skills and enhances gunnery training. The system has implications in other cognitive development activities, as well as—but not limited to—medical, technological, biological, anthropological and other areas of study with objects requiring accurate recognition and designation, as well as personnel identification devices, games, and entertainment systems. The system uses a combination of verbal and visual error correction, including magnification and rotation of both the test image and the incorrect image identified by the trainee, to enhance observation and knowledge of visible differences.

Abstract: A method for providing an operator of a vehicle with operating information includes providing at least one predetermined demonstration of the operating information, deciding if one of the at least one predetermined demonstration is desired to be presented to the operator and, if desired, automatically presenting the demonstration to the operator in an operator compartment of the vehicle when the operator is in an operational position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive driving assistance method. This method involves selecting a desired driving style, and analysing (F1) a driver behaviour during a detected life situation. From a memory (5), a recommended driver behaviour is then selected for the current life situation corresponding to the desired driving style. The behaviour of the driver is then compared (F1, 16) with the recommended behaviour, and those aspects of the behaviour which are considered to be improvable are identified. Finally an audio and/or video information message (7) is issued (F4, F5, 27) inviting the driver to correct his or her behaviour on at least the most critical point.

Abstract: A driving simulation apparatus includes an input unit that receives an input of an operation instruction, a vehicle simulation unit that calculates a position and an orientation of a vehicle in a virtual environment in real-time, a camera state calculation unit that calculates a viewpoint position and a viewing direction of a on-vehicle wide-angle camera based on the position and the orientation of the vehicle, and a wide-angle camera simulation unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for using the apparatus for safely training a motorcycle rider to perform a wheelie, either while moving or while stationary. The apparatus provides a safety system which prevents the motorcycle from tipping over backwards or sideways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating motion controls for a mobile platform of a vehicle simulator. The method uses, as input, accelerations calculated by a process for simulating the behavior of the vehicle. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of: filtering the accelerations calculated accelerations by use of a filter constructed according to a mathematical model of human perception of a motion; calculating successive positions of the mobile platform as a function of the filtered acceleration controls; scaling the positions of the mobile platform as a function of physical limitations of the mobile platform, to produce scaled successive positions of the mobile platform; and calculating acceleration controls to be applied by the mobile platform, as a function of the scaled successive positions of the mobile platform, to produce calculated acceleration controls.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a method of operating a drive simulator to simulate the driving of a vehicle when the transmission or axle is improperly lubricated. The drive simulator may be used to simulate chatter, shudder or shift feel.

Abstract: A chest press exercise machine has a self-aligning pivoting user support on a main frame and an exercise arm which is linked to the pivoting user support to translate movement of the exercise arm into movement of the user support. A user support pivot pivotally connects the user support to the main frame. A connecting link is movably associated with the user engagement device or exercise arm and at least one of the main frame, user support, or user support pivot. A user-activated positioning device controls positioning of the exercise arm in an exercise ready position at the start of an exercise. The user support pivot is positioned so that part of the combined weight of the user and user support is positioned on both sides of the gravitational centerline throughout the exercise movement and a portion of the combined weight passes through the centerline to redistribute the weight as the exercise arm is moved.

Abstract: An adjustable video game cockpit that facilitates a number of independent adjustments to accommodate users of all sizes. The video game cockpit may include a video monitor stand and a universal video game console mount. The inclusion of the video monitor stand and universal video game console permit the cockpit to operate as a single gaming unit. The video game cockpit collapses down to a low profile for convenient relocation and storage.

Abstract: A method of processing and displaying train performance including analyzing train data received from the train or train simulator real time or from a data storage and preparing display data of the results of the analysis. Computer graphic images are created from the display data; and the computer graphic images are provided for display. A display may be a drive with the display data and displayed portions of the display data may be selected to be created into computer graphic images. The computer graphic images may be transmitted over the internet or stored on a portable store and ultimately displayed on a video player. The computer graphic images may be viewed and edited or enhanced.

Abstract: A car seat motion simulating apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the apparatus includes a base; a support carried by the base; a main cylinder carried by the support and a main piston extendable from the main cylinder; a plurality of motion cylinders carried by the support and a plurality of motion pistons extendable from the plurality of motion cylinders, respectively; a platform carried by the main piston and the plurality of motion pistons; an air compressor connected to the main cylinder and the plurality of motion cylinders, respectively; and a motion controller connected to the air compressor.

Abstract: Provided is a game device which determines the goal point pursuant to the game progress and not in advance. The game device 1 is a game for competing for game scores in accordance with the superiority of the state of arrival upon the taxi, which is the moving object, reaching a goal. This game device 1 is a game wherein a presentation unit for presenting a goal determining element (passenger), which becomes the objective upon a taxi moving in the game space 511 (S104, S105), and judgment unit for determining the game results by judging the superiority of the state of arrival in accordance with such selected goal determining element upon selecting one goal among a plurality of goals (S105; YES) provided by the presentation unit (S104, S105) are processed by the CPU and displayed on the display.

Abstract: A method, computer system and computer program product for providing a computer simulation that provides advance notification of expected events or states, comprising running a first computer simulation; running a second computer simulation corresponding to said first simulation, said second simulation having progressed further than said first simulation; and using said second computer simulation to provide information representing expected future events in said first simulation. A first computer simulation may be based on a model of a simulated system, said model having a plurality of state variables. Input data from a first user input interface may represent user interaction with said first computer simulation, while input data from a second user input interface may represent the extent to which a condition should be present in said simulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable safety trainer that can be totally controlled by an instructor and provides safety training in operating an ATV, a dirt bike or a snowmobile. The trainer uses an actual ATV, dirt bike or snowmobile as part of a course in basic safety. In one embodiment, the trainer is used in conjunction with a movie player and a screen to show students real-life examples of driving an ATV, dirt bike or snowmobile without endangering the safety of the students being trained.

Abstract: The in-vehicle gaming system is comprised of vehicle controls that are adapted to provide both vehicle control during a normal driving mode and game control inputs during a gaming mode. At least one of the controls is selectively disengaged from the vehicle control during the gaming mode. A display provides an indication to the driver of the game environment in response to the game control inputs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable apparatus for training a user in in increasing levels of skill, control and maneuverability of a board for a board sport. The portable apparatus comprises a foot placement mat and a support unit. The foot placement mat comprises multiple placement zones for indicating a first location for positioning a support unit and second locations for placing the user's feet. The support unit comprises laterally opposite support members and hand placement platforms. Each of the laterally opposite support members comprises an elongated section and a lower protruding section. The hand placement platforms are detachably attached to the elongated section or the lower protruding section of the laterally opposite support members for enabling placement of the user's hands in an elevated position or a lower position respectively.

Abstract: A complete hardware and software railroad training system gives the trainee a hands-on operators experience in a safe and productive classroom environment. The system and method combines a complete virtual simulation of a yard and the associated equipment with a cost-effective Operator Control Unit (OCU) to fully address Remote Control Operation (RCO), including equipment handing, yard familiarization, rules and safety training. A simulated locomotive training system according to the invention comprises a computer system generating a display of an avatar in a simulated railroad environment including a virtual locomotive and associated equipment. The OCU, a hand-held unit in communication with the computer system, includes one or more video-game or “game-pad” type controls, enabling a user to manipulate the avatar in the simulated railroad environment.

Abstract: A illumination device comprises a transparent member in which a lenticular lens of a cylindrical shape is disposed in a longitudinal direction; and light emitting members disposed in a vertical direction at prescribed intervals inside the transparent member; in which a visual illusion of existence of light emitting rings, respectively arrayed in a horizontal direction and respectively disposed in a vertical direction inside the transparent member, is created by light emitted from the various light emitting members.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system of a motion simulator is disclosed. In one embodiment, a motion simulator not resorting to conventional principles nor employing any fluid or pneumatic components to derive motion with 6 degrees of freedom. Motion derived from bi-directional low voltage motors controlled through a Human Computer Interface Device is described which achieves 120 degrees of “Pitch & Roll” through rotation of ball screws acting through “spherical ball joints”. “Yaw”, “Rising and Descending” independently achieved through “rack and pinions” acting upon the central spherical pivot and rotational plates. The lower “spherical ball joints” firmly securing the ball screw's bearings, motor and coupling, the upper spherical ball joints mounted on slide-able bearing plates which encase the ball nut. The above providing proportionality between two sets of (ball screws) linear actuators.

Abstract: A training system and method of use thereof permit training of an operator to use ground excavating implements. A building structure is provided locating a plurality of operator seats therein at respective operator stations. A boom structure is mounted to the foundation externally of the building in association with each of the operator stations to permit an operator in training in one of the operator seats to control actual movement of a boom structure in visual proximity therewith using joystick controlled excavator hydraulics at the operator seat. A backhoe arm is used as a scaled down approximation of a track hoe with decreased operating pressure to represent a realistic responsiveness of the hydraulic controls.

Abstract: A simulation and control system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation and control system may have a user interface configured to display a simulated environment. The machine simulation and control system may also have a controller in communication with the user interface and a remotely located machine. The controller may be configured to receive from the machine real-time information related to operation of the machine at a worksite. The controller may also be configured to simulate the worksite, operation of the machine, and movement of a machine tool based on the received information. The controller may further be configured to provide to the user interface the simulated worksite, operation, and movement in the simulated environment.

Abstract: A motion simulator system (20) includes a base (24) and a platform (26). A first actuator (74) couples to the platform (26) at a point (138) rotatable relative to a first axis (70) and couples to a rotation part (132) of a first motor (82) at a point (140) rotatable relative to a second axis (68). A second actuator (76) couples to the platform (26) at a point (154) rotatable relative to the second axis (68) and couples to a rotation part (148) of a second motor (84) at a point (158) rotatable relative to the first axis (70). A controller (80) in communication with the first and second actuators (74, 76) via the motors (82, 84) imparts translational movement (146, 162) to the first and second actuators (74, 76) that enables motion of the platform (26) about the first and second axes (70, 68) and in heave (66).

Abstract: The invention is a vehicle simulator. The vehicle simulator has a vehicle simulator operator environment, a vehicle simulator base, a boom connecting the vehicle simulator operator environment to the vehicle simulator base and at least one articulating mechanism. The at least one articulating mechanism is for rotating the vehicle simulator operator environment along at least one axis of rotational motion to provide for a tilting motion of the vehicle simulator operator environment along a Z-axis of rotation. There is also an articulating mechanism for moving the vehicle simulator operator environment along at least an X-axis of rotational motion along the boom and a Y-axis of translational motion with the boom relative to the vehicle simulator base.

Abstract: This invention provides in a safe and effective manner the experience of observing potential collision obstacles or other hazard images to the human operator of an otherwise conventional vehicle, (such as an automobile or aircraft) moving in a normal manner in a natural environment (such as an outdoor test track). The invention incorporates in addition to the mobile vehicle, computer-based image generation devices, and position, velocity, acceleration, measurement instruments to enable the simulated visual hazard images, including operator perception of and response to those hazard images. Making the actual moving vehicle part of the simulated hazard encounter means the vestibular (motion) cues and visual cues of the natural environment are very realistic, while only the computer-generated hazard images imposed on the natural environment view are virtual.

Abstract: A simulator structure with a deck for mounting various components including controls, one or two seats, an instrument panel and an image projector. The components are mounted to the deck using suitable fasteners, such as bolts and nuts. The image projector displays a computer-generated simulated environment. The instrument panel can include actual instruments or a computer-generated image. A dome-shaped image screen can be attached to the structure that can be tiltable on a horizontal axis or, alternatively, can be movable along an arcuate support.

Abstract: A remote control locomotive simulator including a display and a first input device similar to a remote control locomotive controller to be operated by the operator to provide train signals. A computer drives the display to move a train relative to a track in response to the train signals. A remote control locomotive controller may be an actual remote control locomotive system or may be a virtual remote control locomotive controller where the input device is one or more of a keyboard, a mouse or a touch screen of the computer. Data associated with a simulator session of this device is recorded and made available for real-time or post-processing analysis including visual review of train management using the included computer generated graphics system.

Abstract: An input and feedback system for use with simulator devices immobilizes a portion of the user's body using a securement device which holds the immobilized portion in a fixed position. Pressure sensors are disposed upon the securement device to detect the force resulting from any attempted motion of the immobilized body part. Signals describing these forces are sent to a processing unit which applies this information to a simulated environment and provides sensory feedback to the user of the this simulated environment. Feedback is provided via vibrating elements which provide a sensation to the user corresponding to the motion of the user's muscles which occur in the simulated environment. Feedback is also provided via a screen which is disposed in front of the head of the user. Such immobilizing devices may be used to allow input and feedback based on the motion of various parts of the user's body, such as the head, arms, legs, and torso.

Abstract: A portable train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A first program drives the display to depict indicia of a control stand and to respond to control inputs from the input device. A second program drives the display to depict a track to be traversed from a data file in response to the control inputs. A virtual control stand is one of the elements that allows the true portability of a train simulator. The system can display and switch between the present operating parameters of the train and/or a history of the operating parameters of the train, as selected by the input device. Thus, the system can switch from playback mode to simulation mode to provide a take-over of recorded conditions to allow an operator to explore alternate methods for managing the train.

Abstract: A motion platform system includes a support and a motion platform supported by the support and rotatable about a plurality of bearing axes. The motion platform is further rotatable with respect to the support about at least one axis that is offset from the plurality of bearing axes. The motion platform may include an intermediate frame supported by the support, where the intermediate frame is rotatable about a first bearing axis with respect to the support. The motion platform may further include an inner frame supported by the intermediate frame, where the inner frame is rotatable about a second bearing axis with respect to the intermediate frame. Rotations of the inner and intermediate frames about the first and second bearing axes facilitate rotation of the inner frame with respect to the support about at least one axis offset from the bearing axes.

Abstract: A motion simulator includes a stationary frame, a movable frame pivotally connected with the stationary frame, an operating chamber formed at a lower side of one end of the movable frame, a first actuator for pivoting the movable frame, and a second actuator arranged between the operating chamber and the movable frame, for rotating the operating chamber in forward and backward directions with respect to the movable frame.

Abstract: Communication devices, such as a radio and a cockpit communication panel, digitally communicate audio signals as digital data without use of a synchronizing clock signal between the devices. The communication panel and the radio function as both a receiver and as a transmitter of digital audio signals. In one embodiment, an analog audio signal is received by the transmitting device and transformed by a coder/decoder (CODEC) into a plurality of signals. The plurality of signals is received and transformed by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) into a digital signal that includes framing pulse and stop bits. The digital signal is transmitted to a FPGA in a receiving device, which transforms the signal into a second plurality of signals. A CODEC in the receiving device transforms the second plurality of signals into an analog audio signal.

Abstract: An electronic control system for use in an agricultural vehicle having a hitch for towing an implement. The control system controls any one or more of a plurality of sub-systems relating to the vehicle operation. The electronic control system includes a memory, a recording mode, and a playback mode. In one aspect of the invention, the driver is enabled during the recording mode to record a break signal in addition to, and without interruption of, the recording of the sequence of control steps being executed by the driver and in that during the playback mode automatic execution of the recorded control steps is interrupted upon detection of a break signal, execution of the remaining recorded control steps in the sequence being resumed only in response to an instruction from the vehicle driver.

Abstract: In a control and management system for automobiles, a central processor in the system connects traditionally unrelated vehicle subsystems together to realize synergistic functions such as smart driving, automatic parking, etc. A master interface having a display is employed in the system to help a user control and manage the vehicle functions.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of an operational weapon system. The combat effectiveness of a weapon system may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of a weapon system. The integrated evaluation and simulation system includes a user interface operably coupled to at least the computer system to selectively input data into the causal network model and receive information from the causal network model and at least one virtual simulation system. The system further includes either a virtual simulation system operably coupled to the causal network model or, as part of the computer system, a virtual simulation system interface to communicate with a virtual simulation system.